April 8th, Friday, 12:00-1:00, Abby's listening session, Bristol Town Hall, Cty. Hwy. N. Abby is double checking with Senator Fitzgerald to make sure it is still on. Marcia, Karen, and maybe Ginny and Liz intend to attend and participate.

Ginny said that Bernie Sanders lawn signs are available at the Bernie office, 29 W. Wilson St., Madison. Call Ginny – 239-5327 - if you are interested in a sign.

JohnSki and Ginny both read W.E.B. Dubois’ The Souls of Black Folk, as assigned by Marcia for Black History Month. We had a nice discussion on it.

Mary Sanderson has asked if DAP would be interested in joining in the co-sponsorship of an anti-Islamophobe event. Here is what Mary said:

Talked with Jon Garber for a while. The Farley Center is sponsoring an I LOVE MY MUSLIM NEIGHBOR campaign and looking for co-sponsors. They already have posted a letter with 400 signatures and are considering a billboard on I90-94 for our upcoming primary election season. Jon and Caroline Farley want to schedule a conversation 'tween DAP and Farley Ctr rep, to invite DeFo Pros to participate in this effort.

jonnathan500@gmail.com will be happy if any of you choose to respond and maybe co-sponsor.

All in attendance liked the idea. Mary received this further information in an email from Jonathon Garber:

Thanks Mary for making a connection to DAP. I look forward to speaking with you. I spent some time with Mary today and told her about some projects I am working on.

I am a member of Groundwork which is a white anti-racist collective in Madison. We hold a fall workshop on learning about white privilege. We are just getting started with the Farley Center and SWAP (Southwest Area Progressives) around an Anti-islamphobia Campaign. It is in the very early stages and we are still thinking about building a coalition of groups and what our actions will consist of.

I want to clarify what has happened. The Farley Center, SWAP and a local minister did collect 400 signatures in support of the Dane County Muslim community. Groundwork started to meet with them after this project was completed. We are just starting to meet and the 'Love Your Muslim Neighbor' and other ideas, such as a billboard, are just ideas at this point and are just starting to talk about these possible actions.

So this is a great time to start to discuss interest in getting involved. Yes...let's start a conversation!

Jonathan Garber

Groundwork

JohnSki will send an email to Mr. Garber, asking that DAP be included as a co-sponsor and offering assistance as we are able to provide it.

In addition to the Islamophobia concern, we discussed the Tony Robinson event that Mary went to and described like this in her email:

Hey, Friends at DAP!

The rally for justice for Tony Robinson was very well organized and well attended. At least 2 mothers of other young men killed by police came and spoke (1 from Chicago and 1 from Zion Ill) lots of white people too. In 2015 more than 1100 people were killed by police. Prosecutions fewer than 10!! Some of the language is very uncomfortable for the old white people, but I am determined that this tragedy should bring us together, not worsen our separation.

Karen informed us of a movie she thinks is worth our consideration:

Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity

About this Film

This film asks America to talk about the causes and consequences of systemic inequity. Designed for dialogue, the film works to disentangle internal beliefs, attitudes and pre-judgments within, and it builds skills to address the structural drivers of social and economic inequities.

Who Should Use This Film

This film is an ideal introduction to the dynamics of systemic racial inequity. It is appropriate for use in education, healthcare, philanthropy, government, and nonprofit.

The price varies by group doing the buying and intended use:

Home use only : $50

Community grp/Public Library $150

In other words, the extra $100 includes a license to SHOW the film in public.

a: we can "rent" it for $4.99 for 30 days. (We get the right to view it online.)

WHEN: Sat. April 16, 2016TIME : 12-3pm (Potluck and social hour from noon to 1pm, followed by meeting from 1-2 and special guest presentation at 2pm).WHERE: Westside Community Service Building, 2598 W Main St, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 MAPWHO: Members of all groups connected through the Progressive Partners of the 2nd Congressional District and those who would like to learn more or get involved. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Janet says to contact her if you are interested in canvassing local neighborhoods for Kloppenburg, Feingold, and other progressive candidates in this year’s elections. Janet Mills – 846-4472 Janet can provide walk lists, literature, and instructions.

I realize this is a long set of notes this time, but it seemed expeditious to include all of the quotations from emails and such to keep you best informed.